I would agree that a natural diet is best but very few of us have the ability or luxury to provide a year round, natural diet, for our tortoises. A diet composed of grocery store vegetables is not a natural diet either and few of us even know the nutritional content of a natural diet for our tortoises and how to duplicate it in captivity.

We can’t lump all “Commercial Diets” together. There are some that were developed after very little research and they are poor diets for our tortoises. There are others that have a lot of research in their development and are excellent.

We need to be careful about comparing human needs to tortoise needs. I agree that high levels of omega 6 fatty acids are not healthy but some omega 6 fatty acids are essential for good health. I agree that high levels of protein are unhealthy (particularly if they are made up of the wrong amino acids) but protein is essential for good health. Very low levels of protein can result in soft shells and death. I agree that a tortoise’s blood should have a slightly alkaline pH, which can be acidified if fed too many grains but a diet balanced with greens can help offset this. I think it is unclear of the affects of phytates in the diet, which may pass through the tortoise’s gastrointestinal tract with little affect on the tortoise.

If I had year round grazing available, that is what I would provide. I don’t have that luxury so I feed over 2,000 pounds of Mazuri a year. I have hatched out tortoises from parents fed Mazuri, raised those hatchings to adults, and have had strong, next generation babies produced by those grown up hatchings.

I raise hundreds of completely smooth and natural looking tortoises, which are fed predominately Mazuri tortoise diet. I have regular customers who buy my 4-inch captive raised tortoises because they are so perfect. Diet is very important but correct husbandry techniques are critical for perfectly formed shells.

Mazuri recommends that their diet be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables and the tortoises also be fed good quality grass hay. It is my opinion and observation that Mazuri is fine to feed if supplemented as they recommend. I don’t use any vitamins or mineral supplements with the Mazuri.

Good luck

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